Midsomer Morston

Delighted that the stage crew, led by John Seymour, got their just desserts with the Technical award for District 5 presented by Tessa.

A first as author and director for Lavinia Finn, know that she has co-written before, and a great success for her first solo (and hopefully will continue to join the ‘regular’ team of authors and directors to spread the load). I just do not know where the inspiration comes from in your entertaining themes for each production.

It is always such a pleasure to come to Blakeney, eagerly anticipated, and we know we shall have such an entertaining evening with the ‘specially written for the cast’ different extravaganza. It was so good to read the programme and know that the talented ‘regulars’ were all there in force, in great voice, and fleet of foot with the slick and very well rehearsed movement and dance. So lovely to see the team of friends in action again.

What an opening with the team of trim tappers led by Scarlett O’Mara in the cabaret, and this set the tone and style of the evening. In Midsomer Manor, the house-party of Lord and Lady Morston Marsh (and Dowager) had such fun at the Midsummer party, until the mysterious deaths and the problems to solve and determine what happened (and with a twist in the tale). But when the guests include Col Mustard, Prof Plum, Rev Green, Jane Blond, Miss Marbles, Inspector Cluedo, Charlie Chin and Number 1 Son, then it must be a complex twister, and each developed character had the ‘own moment’ of spotlight and how good they all were in action and reaction and timing to perfection. One should not neglect the Servants’ Hall under the control of the perfect butler, Mr Dobbs, or indeed the Boatman Henry Church, vital to the story. What fun each performer had throughout this tale of the Norfolk Coast and how each one managed a jewelled cameo and some good solos.

Under the chorus master Ralph Wiggins, the vocals were all to high standard as expected, especially the full cast finales of each act: ‘Rhythm of Life’, and ‘Go West’; and those dance routines were so slick, so stylish and sleek (especially ‘Go West’). The band led by Gill Mellor made the toes tap as we wanted to join in.

As expected from the winning technical team, great sets and all looked good in the costume department.

An evening of great pleasure for all, no wonder that the audiences wait, book holidays, and anticipate each year. Even that great heat could not spoil the enjoyment of the moment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.